Steven Desi Sanchez

On or about September of 2014, I arrested a gang member for two active and violent felony warrants. I was driving into a parking lot, when the suspect saw I was an Officer and began to run. Two other Officers eventually joined me. We jumped over chain-link fences and brick walls. At the conclusion... of the chase, I was able to intercept the suspect as he was exiting a small “get-away” gap between a large metal container and a building. The suspect refused to “get on the ground” numerous times. Eventually I was able to take him down, put him in a control hold in an attempt to arrest him; however, he was not done resisting. As this is happening my partner arrived and “assisted me” to make the arrest, “with no further incident.” Several hours after the arrest, a Sergeant was notified of a Use of Force incident that occurred during the arrest. Several days later, I was called into the station to speak with Internal Affairs (I.A) investigators. I immediately seek counsel, (Steve, Sanchez and Kasey Alyson Castillo). I met with Kasey and told her exactly what occurred and what I saw. Based on my statement, she recommended I provide a “voluntary statement,” to which I had no issue with. I had done nothing wrong. To me, this arrest was “just another arrest.” It was during the voluntary statement that I learned about a video. This camera was mounted on a top corner of a building, only recording from THAT angle. At this point, I was told the suspect was assaulted by my partner. This was the assault that I never saw. I was not worried about what my partner was doing; simply knowing he was there with me, made me feel safe. I repeatedly told the investigators I did not see the assault. After my interview, I was charged with accessory after the fact, Perjury and for filing a false police report. Attorneys: Steve Sanchez, Kasey Castillo, Nikki Naleway Brazney and Tara Collins aggressively began working with my partner’s Attorney Michael Schwartz. Kasey wrote numerous letters to my Police Chief, attended I.A hearings, all in an attempt to save my job, to no avail. Steve explained in detailed every avenue there was available in my best interest. Steve told me what the “worst” and “best” case scenarios I was facing. Steve never let me down and encouraged me to fight my case. Months and a year went by. At this point Steve, Kasey, Nikki and Tara had pages after pages of well-prepared written documents. Steve, Kasey and Nikki were always prepared and ready to take on the DA. Steve presented a “995 motion” to have all criminal charges dropped against me do to the lack of evidence. Judge: Charles Morgan, agreed and had the felony perjury charge dismissed. Prior to this dismissal, the District Attorney dismissed the PC 32 in the “best interest of justice.” Now I was faced with the misdemeanor, for filing false police report. Finally, we’re now sitting in a court room. On 05/23/16, after a few days of court testimony and video evidence the Jury began deliberating. Only TWO HOURS of deliberation. Sitting outside the court room, with Steve, Steve telling and reassuring me everything was going to be okay. Verdict was not guilty. I saw Steve’s face, CO-workers, parents, friends, spouses and siblings who could not hold their tears of joy as the verdict was being read. My family and friends are truly blessed with Steve’s and rest of team’s hard work. My criminal case would not have been cleared if it wasn’t for Steve’s hard work.